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Players to Watch: Patriots at Bears
Patriots Football Weekly's Andy Hart shares his players to watch during the Patriots Week 7 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

LaAdrian Waddle, T – The veteran backup right tackle was called into duty against the Chiefs due to Marcus Cannon's concussion. Now, with Cannon missing practice this week, Waddle may need to hold down the right side against Khalil Mack, who had a sack and three QB hits against New England as a Raider last fall.

Tom Brady, QB – The GOAT seems to be rounding into form as his corps of targets comes together in the middle of the season. Still, he and his new-look attack will be facing a Bears defense that highly ranked in points (4th), sacks (3rd) and yards (10th).

Devin McCourty, S – New England's Pro Bowl safety has struggled mightily in the back end allowing a handful of touchdowns over the last couple weeks. The Bears have big-play potential at a few different spots, so McCourty needs to return to his role as a key productive cog as the last line of defense.

Josh Gordon, WR – Gordon's role grew dramatically in the win over the Chiefs, even if his production didn't. The big, talented receiver has drawn rave reviews from coaches and teammates alike for his work getting acclimated in New England. A big game and big plays feel like they are on the horizon.

Dont'a Hightower, LB – The Patriots front seven leader is coming off arguably his best game in the win over Kansas City. Hightower still may have his issues in coverage, but he can also still very much affect the game in a variety of ways up front.

Khalil Mack, LB – Though he missed practice time this week to an ankle injury, there is still hope in Chicago that the transformative edge player will be able to suit up against New England. Arriving via trade this summer, Mack has been one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL this fall.

Mitchell Trubisky, QB – Chicago's second-year quarterback has been inconsistent at times but has also been highly productive this season. Trubisky can make plays with his feet but also is completing 70 percent of his passes with 11 TDs and just four picks in five games for a 105.6 passer rating that ranks seventh in the NFL.

Akiem Hicks, DL – Hicks spent one season in New England but has really seen his career blossom in Chicago as a disruptive defensive lineman. He ranks second on the Bears with three sacks and is a major challenge for a Patriots offensive line that's been very good to date.

Taylor Gabriel, WR – The Bears leading receiver with 27 catches for 303 yards with two touchdowns, Gabriel is a key part of a pretty varied Chicago passing attack. Gabriel has topped 100 yards in consecutive games and tallied a catch of 30 yards or longer in three of five games this season.

Tarik Cohen, RB – Cohen is a speedy threat as a returner, runner and pass catcher. He's rushed for 170 yards, caught 21 passes for 259 yards and is averaging 12.2 yards per punt return. Cohen can be a big play machine for the Bears if allowed room to run.